Through Research and Testing, We Found the Best, Expert-Approved OTC Hemorrhoid Treatments (2024)

Hemorrhoids, or swollen veins in the rectum and anus, are typically a result of increased pressure in those same areas. Some people don’t realize they have hemorrhoids, but others are painfully aware and desperate for quick relief. If you do experience discomfort from hemorrhoids, over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments can help.

To help you find the right treatment for you, we spoke to experts about what to look for in an effective hemorrhoid treatment. Then, we tested hemorrhoid products at home and anonymously surveyed users about their experiences. Finally, we narrowed down our top picks based on criteria such as ingredients, application methods, and instructions for use. A gastroenterologist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding hemorrhoids, different treatment options, and how to evaluate them. Based on our extensive research and testing, here are the best OTC hemorrhoid treatments available today.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

• Ingredients to look for: There are several types of ingredients you may find in hemorrhoid treatments, and they're generally designed to provide different kinds of relief. According to Matthew Bechtold, MD, a University of Missouri Health Care gastroenterologist, you should consider products containing one or more of the following ingredients: witch hazel or zinc oxide to soothe and protect; hydrocortisone to relieve swelling and itching; pramoxine or lidocaine to numb the affected area; and phenylephrine to narrow blood vessels in the affected area.
• Results and what to expect: Many hemorrhoids will improve quickly with treatment, at least in terms of pain; often, you’ll notice fewer symptoms in just a few days. The actual healing process can take longer, though: anywhere from three to six weeks.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Hemorrhoids are fairly common, affecting about 10% of adults, says Sergey V. Kantsevoy, MD, director of The Center for Therapeutic Endoscopy at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Most of these, he adds, won't need medical treatment unless they're bleeding or causing intense pain. But it can also be hard for people to diagnose themselves with hemorrhoids, so it’s not a bad idea to see a provider if you think you have them to confirm before you treat them.

It’s also a good idea to make an appointment with a provider if you’re having anal bleeding, which could point to a more serious case of hemorrhoids (or something else entirely). Hemorrhoids that are severe enough to cause anal bleeding or intense pain and that don’t respond to typical interventions or procedures may require surgery, says Arturo Bravo, MD, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.

Our Top Picks

How We Tested and Selected the Hemorrhoid Treatments

We tested hemorrhoid products at home, evaluating each product’s effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value. We also asked our editors to share any side effects they experienced, if any. The products we tested were selected based on advice from our experts and an anonymous survey of 15 people who have experienced hemorrhoids and utilized OTC treatments. In testing, we considered each product in the scope of the following categories:

• Effectiveness: We rated how well each product reduced symptoms of burning, itching, and pain, as well as how long (in number of days) it took to feel symptom relief.
• Ease of use: We rated how easy each product was to use or apply, depending on its form, from very easy to very difficult. We also considered things like how messy the product was and if its packaging or overall application process was wasteful or ineffective.
• Value: We asked our editors to share if they would purchase this product again or recommend it to others, along with what they liked and disliked most about it.

How to Prevent and Treat Hemorrhoids

Since hemorrhoids usually develop as a result of constipation and straining to have bowel movements, there are ways to prevent them from forming. Likewise, you can make lifestyle changes as a first-line treatment when they start popping up.Experts recommend the following tips to prevent hemorrhoids

• Avoid straining with stool softeners: Dr. Bravo says one of the most important steps in treating hemorrhoids is avoiding constipation (hard or infrequent stools), which may include taking stool softeners. You can try an over-the-counter stool softener like Colace (docusate), which doesn't force you to have a bowel movement but simply makes it easier to pass stool. Another alternative is a natural stool softener with soluble fiber ingredients like psyllium. It's worth noting that stool softeners are different from medications that cause diarrhea or constipation, which should be avoided, says Dr. Bechtold
• Add fiber to your diet: Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet is also a good way to prevent and treat hemorrhoids. Dr. Bechtold suggests eating plenty of fruits and vegetables to increase your daily dietary fiber to the recommended 20 to 35 grams. If you struggle to meet the recommended amount of fiber through natural food sources, adding fiber supplements to your diet can help.
• Increase fluid intake: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can soften stool, making it easier to pass bowel movements. Experts recommend drinking at least 8 to 10 cups of water per day and more if you're active or in a hot climate.
• Use bulking agents: If increasing your fiber and fluid intake doesn’t work well enough to eliminate constipation, Dr. Kantsevoy says you should start taking bulking agents like Metamucil and Miralax to help keep your bowel movements regular.
• Don't linger on the toilet: If you're struggling to pass a bowel movement, don't sit there and try to force it. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can exacerbate hemorrhoids.

Our Experts

We speak to experts at every stage of testing products and reporting and writing this story. They advise us on subjects like what ingredients to look for in products, how to treat hemorrhoids, and what kind of changes you should expect to see with treatment. Here are a few of the people we spoke to.

• Henry Govekar, MD, colon and rectal surgeon at Rush University Medical Group in Chicago
• Matthew Bechtold, MD, a University of Missouri Health Care gastroenterologist
• Sergey V. Kantsevoy, MD, director of The Center for Therapeutic Endoscopy at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore
• Arturo Bravo, MD, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
• Heather Viola, DO, primary care physician at Mount Sinai
• Randall Cooper, MD, colorectal and general surgeon at Summit Health
• Pratima Dibba, MD, gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan
  

Why Trust Verywell Health

Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, tackling health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She battled hemorrhoids during all three of her pregnancies, so she knows how important it is to find safe products that provide quick, healing relief.